Take Mom to the Best Brunch in Boston for Mother’s Day

Treat Mom to an afternoon British-style tea service at The Reserve, the newest dining option at The Langham Boston. Photo Credit Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Thinking of taking Mom downtown for a nice Mother’s Day brunch this year? Try one of these examples of the best brunch in Boston. Sunday brunch is an important institution around Beantown. You won’t be disappointed by these offerings, which go well beyond plain old toast and eggs. From live music to chocolate fountains, amped up versions of classics to Chinese dim sum, there’s something here for everyone—even the most discerning of mothers. You can even find a variety of DIY Bloody Mary bars. Whatever your Sunday morning vice, there’s something for you in downtown Boston.

Parker’s Restaurant at the Omni Parker House: Let Mom experience a slice of Boston history at the Omni Parker House, the birthplace of the Boston cream pie, Parker House rolls, and even the term “scrod” (which refers to whatever whitefish is available on a given day—typically cod or haddock). Scrod and cream pie don’t make an appearance on Parker’s Mother’s Day brunch menu, but freshly baked Parker rolls do, served with sweet butter. Starters include shrimp, scallop, and papaya salad; sliced tropical fruits; and smoked salmon with bagel crisps. For the main course, try granny smith apple crepes with fruit compote, or carved pork loin with fig and port reduction. For Mother’s Day, Parker’s Restaurant is offering one noon seating. Reservations are required, so call (617) 725-1600.

The Omni Parker House is the birthplace of boston cream pie, Parker House rolls, and the term “scrod.” Photo Credit Kimberly Vardeman

The Langham Boston: One of the classiest hotels downtown, the Langham has several perfect options for celebrating Mother’s Day. On Sundays, from September through June, the Langham’s Café Fleuri offers a huge brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Created by Executive Chef Mark Sapienza, the buffet features countless stations of meats and cheese, New England seafood, brunch classics, and a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar. There’s also live music and an elaborate dessert station. If it’s the dessert that interests Mom most, you can celebrate a day early with Café Fleuri’s legendary Chocolate Bar—open on Saturdays from September through June, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The “all-you-can-enjoy” buffet features table after table of sweet options; don’t miss the chocolate croissant bread pudding. Finally, if you’re looking for something a little simpler, the Langham’s newest dining option, The Reserve, offers a traditional Tiffin afternoon tea service from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. each day, featuring finger sandwiches, scones, and, of course, tea. Call (617) 451-1900 to make reservations at Café Fleuri or The Reserve.

Winsor Dim Sum Cafe: Not a fan of French toast and Bloody Marys? Don’t mind a long wait and sharing a table with strangers? Bring Mom to an epic Chinese dim sum feast at the best of the best: Winsor Dim Sum Cafe. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.—one of the few places to get dim sum at night. Unlike the typical pushcart dim sum places, where you choose dish after dish as they come by on carts, Winsor makes your food to order, so you’re not getting dishes that might have been sitting for hours. The menu is easily navigable and has English names and pictures for each dish. Once you put your order in, the food will arrive in a steady flow. You can’t go wrong with dumplings. There are plenty of types to choose from, too, such as soup dumplings (xiao long bao or XLB). Also, be sure not to skip a dessert of red bean cakes or egg custard tarts.

If you want to indulge in the best brunch in Boston, you’ve got to plan ahead. Reservations are required at Parker’s Restaurant and strongly recommended at the Langham. If you go to Winsor, though, you just have to be prepared to wait.